Jul 16, 2018

1975 MLB All Star Game Co-MVP: New York Mets Pitcher Jon Matlack

The 1975 MLB All Star Game was held at Milwaukee's County Stadium. A lot of hoopla was surrounding Hank Aaron, the new all time HR king who was back in the city of Milwaukee, closing out his career.

This was the first time the All Star Game used honorary captains; the first honorees were Stan Musial for the NL & Mickey Mantle for the AL.

The New York Mets had no one in the starting line up, but had two pitchers representing the team; Tom Seaver & Jon Matlack. Tug McGraw who had been traded to the Philadelphia Phillies before the season was also on the All Star staff.

In the top of the 2nd inning, the Dodgers Steve Garvey & Jimmy Wynn both hit solo HRs off Oakland's Vida Blue, putting the N.L. up 2-0. In the 3rd, Reds catcher Johnny Bench's RBI single off the Royals' Steve Busby scored St. Louis' Lou Brock, to make it 3-0.In the 6th, the Mets Tom Seaver came in to pitch. Seaver entered the game with a 13-4 record & a 1.78 ERA at the break, on his way to another Cy Young Award. But on this night he struggled, Seaver first gave up a single to Oakland's Joe Rudi. He then struck out Greg Nettles,& gave up a walk to Oakland's Gene Tenace. Seaver got Boston's Fred Lynn to fly out to right field but then team mate; Carl Yastrzemski blasted a three HR and the game was tied.

Jon Matlack came on to pitch the 7th inning, he first struck out Minnesota's batting champion; Rod Carew. Then Oakland's speedster Claudell Washington singled, but was picked off with Matlacks great move to first base. Matlack then struck out the White Sox' Bucky Dent.

In the 8th inning, Matlack gave up a base hit to Cleveland's George Hendrick, but then retired the next three batters, including striking out Gene Tenace & Fred Lynn.

In the 9th inning, the Cubs batting champ; Bill Madlock drove in two runs with a single off the White Sox Rich Gossage. The N.L. added another run on a Pete Rose sac fly, & went on to a 6-3 win. It was the fourth straight win for the NL.

After the game Jon Matlack was credited with the win and along with Bill Madlock won the games co-MVP Award. The Award was presented by Commissioner Bowie Kuhn & Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.